Magdalena ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Guatemala ’ s advancement in renewable energy is spearheaded by Magdalena , a sugar processing company focused on driving a circular economy model . Through responsible agriculture and industrial projects , the organization maximizes production while ensuring soil protection . With a daily milling capacity of 40,000 metric tons , Magdalena is the only sugar cane mill in Guatemala capable of producing , marketing , and transmitting electric power , thus providing valuable support to the country ’ s energy landscape . CEO Jorge Leal sheds light on the company ’ s processes and its position within the Guatemalan energy market . “ Family-owned since its establishment in 1983 , Magdalena is a sugar business which produces and processes sugar cane to turn it into sugar , energy and alcohol . Not only is it the largest mill in America outside of Brazil , but also the biggest sugar refinery annexed to a sugar mill in the world ,” he opens .
“ In terms of energy , we have been developing cogeneration projects to convert biomass into energy to supply the national grid . Guatemala boasts a fantastic and open energy sector where energy is created and supplied on an hourly basis with a system that prioritizes the lowest declared cost for energy production . The first producer to enter the market sets the price , and subsequent producers are added based on their cost , with all parties receiving payment based on the final cost set by the last producer to enter the market . At Magdalena , we generate between ten and 12 percent of the nation ’ s energy needs by combining several technologies to convert biomass into energy . Guatemala has two main seasons : a rainy season and a dry season , with mild , springlike weather throughout the rest of the year .
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